Electric switch



Dec. 2, 1930. 1. w. BURGESS 8 ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Nov. 8, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet l I. 157. [fr/03935 lNVENTOR ATTOR N EY v Dec. 2, 1930. l, w BURGESS 1,783,903

ELECTRI C SWITCH Filed Nov. 8, 1929 I5 Sheets-Sheet 2 -10 IVVT -22 Z A l fl Q L. ,5 7 2:? w MUTo INVENTOR ATTORNEY Dec. 2, 1930. l. w. BURGESS ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Nov. 8, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 [NP 2 l w 9 A 2 "O 2 Patented Dec. 2, 1930 V UNITED STATES IRA W. BURGESS, OF MINDEN, WEST VIRGINIA ELECTRIC SWITCH Application filed. November 8, 1929. Serial No. 405,707.

This invention relates to an electric switch for use on electric mine locomotives and the like the general object of the invention being to provide magnetic locking means for locking the switch arm in any one of its different positions, the current to the magnetic means being controlled by the controller of the locomotive.

Another object of the invention is to so form the switch that it can be used either as a single pole two-way switch or a three-way one.

This invention also consists in certain other features of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, to be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

In describing my invention in detail, ref erence will be had to the accompanying drawings wherein like characters denote like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:- 7

with the cover plate removed. 7 I

Figure 2 is a section on line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a section on line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 1 is a section on line 4-4r of Figure 1. v

Figure 5 is a section on line 55 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a view of the switch arm. Figure 7 is a section on line 77 of Figure 2.' .7

In these views 1 indicates the switch box or casing which is formed with a series of openings 2 for the conductors and which is provided with a removable cover plate 3. Three terminals 4, 5 and 6 are placed in the casing to which the cables 7 are connected and an outlet terminal 8 is placed in the casing and fastened in the block 9 of conducting material which carries a stationary shaftlO on which is pivoted the switch arm 11. This switch arm extends through a slotin the top of the casing and has a handle 12 on its outer end and a blade 13 is detachably connected with its inner end so that the blade can be 1/1011. Figure 1 is a View of the complete device substituted by a new onewhen the old one are so arranged that the blade 13 thereof can be brought into engagement with any one of the terminals 4, 5 and 6 so that current will pass from that terminal with which the blade is in engagementthrough the switch arm and the block 9 to the outlet terminal 8. A spring detent. 19 is placed in a recess in the block 9 and engages a recess 20 in the switch arm to 1 ieldingly hold the "same in its central posi- A shaft 21 is journaled in the supports 22 in the casing and said shaft has attached thereto the arms 23 to which the pins 24: are connected, these pins passing through holes in a plate 25. These pins are so arranged when they are projected by the rocking of the shaft 21 they will look the switch arm in either one of its three positions. A spring 26 on the shaft tends to hold the same in a position with the pins 24: out of the path of the switch arm. An armature carrying arm 27' is fastened to the shaft 21 with its armature adapted to be attracted by a magnet 28 y in the casing so'that when the magnet is en- Thus when the switch arm is moved to close 1 one of the circuits and the controller is moved to open position current will be supplied to the magnet so that the shaft will be moved to project the pins 24 and thus the switch arm will be locked against movement, thereby making it impossible for the switch to arc, which always damages a switch, and sometimes destroys them entirely. This arcing often results in burning the operator.

It will of course, be understood that the terminal 5 can be removed so as to make the device a twoway switch. Shields can also be placed wherever desired to protect the op erator, one of these shields being shown at 31 on the switch arm.

It is thought from the foregoingdescription that the advantages and novel features of the invention will be readily apparent.

It is to be understood that I may make changes in the construction. and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, provided that such changes fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

'1. An electric switch comprising a casing having a slot in one end thereof, a number ofterminals therein, a switch arm pivotally arranged in the casing and having one end extending through the slot therein, a handle on this end, a blade detachably connected with the other end and adapted to engage any of the terminals, a terminal electrically connected with the switch arm and magnetic locking means for locking the switch arm-in engag ment with any one of the first mentioned terminals.

2. An electric switch comprising a casing having aslot in one end thereof, a number of terminals therein, a. switch arm pivotally arranged in the casing and having one end extending through the slot therein, a handle on this end, a blade detachably connected with the other end and adapted to engage any of the terminals, a terminal electrically connected with the switch arm and magnetic locking means for locking the switch arm in engagement with any one of the first mentioned terminals, such means comprising a shaft journaled in the casing, arms on the shaft, pins on the arms for extending into the path of the switch arm when the shaft is moved in one direction, spring means for holding the shaft with the pins in lowered position, an other arm on the shaft, an armature thereon, a magnet for attracting the armature and means whereby the current of the magnet controlled by a controller device on the apparatuswith which the switch is used.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

IRA *vV. BURGESS. 

